The 5 Best Metal Albums for Your Halloween Playlist
Photo: Steve St. Jean
Every year around Halloween, the chill of autumn permeates the air and awakens memories of circle pits, stage diving, and hammering guitar riffs at The Opera House in Toronto. Let’s be honest: is there a better time to listen to metal than Halloween?
Let these five meticulously selected albums transport you to the shadow realm and conjure some devilishly good memories of seeing past metal shows in Toronto.
5. Opeth – Ghost Reveries (2005)
A haunting blend of progressive rock and death metal, Opeth’s Ghost Reveries weaves intricate melodies with dark, atmospheric passages, creating an ethereal yet intense sonic journey that lingers long after the last note fades.
4. Children of Bodom – Follow The Reaper (2000)
Children of Bodom’s Follow the Reaper combines melodic death metal with neoclassical influences, showcasing a virtuosic display of technical prowess and memorable hooks, as Alexi Laiho's blistering guitar work and dynamic vocals guide listeners through a relentless barrage of speed and aggression, leaving an indelible mark on the metal landscape. R.I.P. Alexi Laiho.
3. Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Deluxe (1998)
Rob Zombie's Hellbilly Deluxe is a menacing fusion of industrial metal and horror-inspired lyrics, pulsating with infectious rhythms and adrenaline-fueled guitar solos that encapsulate the spirit of Halloween with its macabre themes and infectious, hard-hitting sound.
2. Cradle of Filth – Midian (2000)
With its symphonic black metal elements and gothic undertones, Cradle of Filth’s Midian envelops listeners in a world of dark romanticism and chilling narratives, highlighted by Dani Filth's haunting vocals and the band's dynamic orchestration. “Her Ghost In The Fog” will always go down as one of the best songs to celebrate the Halloween season.
1. King Diamond – Abigail (1987)
"Abigail," released in 1987, is a haunting concept album by King Diamond that chronicles the chilling tale of a haunted mansion, possessed by the spirit of a stillborn child named Abigail. With its eerie narrative and spine-chilling vocals, this classic album by King Diamond evokes an atmosphere of dread and suspense, making it a perfect soundtrack for Halloween gatherings and haunted house parties.
Honourable Mention: AFI – All Hallows EP
It’s not metal, but badass as hell... A seminal work in the punk and horror punk genres, All Hallows EP encapsulates AFI's raw energy and moody atmosphere, delivering a spine-chilling blend of aggressive riffs, haunting melodies, and Davey Havok's distinct vocals, evoking a sense of macabre urgency and emotional intensity that perfectly embodies the spirit of Halloween.